“Wuhan-Ezhou” first low-altitude cargo route opens! Hubei’s air passenger and cargo “dual hubs” enter 1-hour efficient coordination zone.

“Ezhou-Wuhan” Low-Altitude Cargo Route Makes Maiden Flight

On August 15 at 2:03 PM, a “Kodiak 100” general aviation aircraft carrying fresh Indian blue crabs took off from Ezhou Huahu International Airport, heading to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport. This marked the successful maiden flight of the “Wuhan-Ezhou” short-distance low-altitude cargo route.

The outbound flight of the “Ezhou-Wuhan” route carried 517 kg of cargo, including Indian Kolkata blue crabs and SF Express parcels, while the return flight transported SF Express parcels and fresh fruits. This is the first low-altitude cargo route opened at Wuhan Tianhe Airport and the second at Ezhou Huahu Airport, signifying a new phase of resource integration in the “Wuhan-Ezhou Aviation Passenger-Cargo Dual Hub” initiative.

As the first low-altitude cargo link between Wuhan Tianhe Airport and Ezhou Huahu Airport, the route spans approximately 93 km in a straight line, with a one-way flight time of just 30 minutes. Operated by Hubei Airport Group Aviation Logistics Co., Ltd., the route uses the “Kodiak 100” aircraft, capable of carrying about 1 ton of cargo per flight, catering to high-efficiency, small-batch short-haul freight demands.

The “Wuhan-Ezhou” low-altitude cargo route launched with its maiden flight transporting fresh Indian blue crabs and SF Express parcels.

“Fresh and fast!” explained a representative from Hubei Airport Group Aviation Logistics. The blue crabs from India arrived at Huahu Airport in just 4 hours and reached Wuhan in half an hour via “direct air-to-air transfer.” Some crabs were delivered to local dining tables, while others were transported nationwide via passenger aircraft belly holds from Tianhe Airport.

Fresh blue crabs arriving from India on the morning of August 15.

The representative noted that as a dedicated cargo link between Wuhan Tianhe and Ezhou Huahu hubs, this route innovatively establishes an efficient “direct air-to-air” pathway. It addresses the regional gap for high-efficiency, small-batch freight, enabling seamless transfers from international cargo holds (Huahu Airport) to passenger aircraft bellies (Tianhe Airport). Compared to traditional road transport, the “30-minute direct flight” significantly improves delivery speed, creating a precise and efficient aerial express for high-value, time-sensitive regional shipments.

Maiden flight ceremony of the “Wuhan-Ezhou” low-altitude cargo route.

An expert commented that the successful launch of the “Wuhan-Ezhou” low-altitude cargo route represents another key step in Hubei’s “Wuhan-Ezhou Passenger-Cargo Dual Hub” strategy. It optimizes regional air logistics networks, enhances cargo distribution efficiency, and provides new practical insights for utilizing low-altitude airspace and developing the low-altitude economy, ultimately boosting high-end logistics competitiveness in Hubei and Central China.